Of interest to us is general and specific genealogical information about our French-Canadian (QUÉBEC in particular) and Franco-American ancestors. I hope to post pertinent info here on a regular basis as my research progresses. Details concerning genetic anomalies and hereditary diseases found among French-Canadians and their descendants would be welcome. Your input, corrections and comments are most welcome.
Fredo's latest book of Québec legends, SHÎMÛN L'ENFANT DE LA FORÊT ET LA SORCIÈRE DU LAC, is now available by getting in touch with him at the following EM address: fredodes@gmail.com A gifted writer, Fredo was brought up with these legends, which he wishes to share with those of us, who are interested in Québec lore before the stories are buried in the forgotten past..
Fredo's paintings may be viewed on our Webshots site within the album of QUÉBEC ARTISTS. Click on the title above to be brought to the site. ENJOY!
was baptized ALICE ROBITAILLE and was born 1923-02-03 in Saint-Raymond, a suburb of Québec City, QC, the daughter of Émile and Albina MOISAN. From early childhood, her only desire was to become a famous singer. Her father would enter her in local talent contests, which she won most of the time, a situation which increased her certainty that she would be a star some day. With this in mind, she left her home in Québec City and, at age 13, took the night train to Montréal, without the knowledge of her parents. Arriving in the city with only 5¢ in her purse after having paid the train passage (one way), she purchased a tram ticket to the theatre where Rose OUELLETTE was head of a variety show. Having met Rose once in the past and having been encouraged by her to continue her singing career, Alice took her at her word and entered the theatre where a rehearsal was going on. She went right up to Mrs. OUELLETTE and told her she was there to be part of the show. Although astounded, Rose immediately hired her and even took her into her home since Alice had nowhere to stay and no money to pay for a room.
This was the beginning of Alice's professional career, and she sang with the variety show for 3 years till she was offered a contract in Ontario, etc. By this time, Alice had taken on the stage name of ALYS ROBI by which she is known to this day.
Alys' life is all the more interesting because she unabashedly shared her emotions through the many situational and mental difficulties that she experienced. Her 1990 autobiography, Un long cri dans la nuit: 5 années à l'asile, describes the horrors of life in a Québec mental institution, St-Michel-Archange, following a nervous breakdown, where she was forced to submit to electric shock therapy, cold ice baths, and, eventually, a lobotomy.
Overcoming the isolation of the mental institution where she lived alone in a small cell and where her father visited her but once in 5 years, she managed to hold onto her sanity despite social deprivation. From 1948 to 1953, she continuously told herself that she was an "international singer" and that she would continue her career despite the fears that grew on her during these 5 years.
Of course, by 1953, when Alice was released from St-Micchel-Archange after a successful lobotomy (which was rare), her father came to see her for the second time, to bring her home. After awhile, she overcame the fear of social contacts, which had been brought on by the isolation experienced at the hospital, and she began accepting singing contracts. She now sings occasionally for local institutions despite her age.
ALYS ROBI's life is an inspiration to us all. If she could survive a mental institution and what it entailed in the 1940's and 50's, we should all be able to overcome our daily difficulties and attain our goals.
For pictures of ALYS ROBI click on the title above.
ROBITAILLE
(1)
Jean ROBITAILLE
Martine CORMONT
Picardie, FRANCE
(2)
Pierre ROBITAILLE
Marie MAUFAY/MAUFET
marriage contract
1675-05-05
before Notary DUQUET
Sillery, suburb of Québec City, QC
(3)
Joseph ROBITAILLE
Catherine DROLET
1722-01-20
N-D-de-l'Annonciation parish, Ancienne-Lorette, QC
(4)
Pierre ROBITAILLE
Marie-Geneviève VALIN
1765-02-11
N-D-de-l'Annonciation parish, Ancienne-Lorette, QC
(5)
Jean ROBITAILLE
A Québec actress, Anne-Marie DUCHARME was born 1902-07-01 in St-Félix-de-Valois, Joliette County, QC, the daughter of Henri & Anna “Anny” ASSELIN. She began her career by acting in plays that were put on in various parish halls throughout Québec. Later, she went into movies and tv series. Among her better known appearances were:
* 1972:Les allées de la terre
*1973:Il était une fois dans l'Est
* 1973 : Kamouraska
* 1975 : La Tête de Normande St-Onge
* 1976 : Parlez-nous d'amour
* 1976 : L'Eau chaude, l'eau frette
* 1977 : Ti-mine, Bernie pis la gang
* 1977 : Le Soleil se lève en retard
* 1978 : Le Clan Beaulieu (TV series)
* 1979 : La Belle apparence
*1980 : Ça peut pas être l'hiver, on n'a même pas eu d'été
*1980 : Frédéric (TV series)
Anne-Marie died 1985-02-15 in Montréal, QC. According to my research, she never married.
CHARRON dit DUCHARME
(1)
Pierre CHARRON
Judith MARTIN
Circa 1632
Champagne, (Seine et Marne), FRANCE
(2)
Pierre “Le jeune”Nicolas CHARRON dit DUCHARME
Catherine PILET/PILAT/PILARD
1665-10-19
Notre-Dame parish, Montréal, QC
(3)
François CHARRIN dit DUCHARME
Marguerite PIET/PIETTE dite TREMPE
1701-01-30
Saint-Pierre-de-Sorel, Richelieu County, QC
(4)
Jean-Baptiste CHARRON dit DUCHARME
Marguerite MARET/MARETTE dite LÉPINE
1732-02-11
Ste-Geneviève parish, Berthier, Berthier County, QC
(5)
Jean-Baptiste CHARRON dit DUCHARME
Geneviève JOLY
1762-11-11
Lanoraie, Berthier County, QC
(6)
Jean-Baptiste CHARRON dit DUCHARME
Marie-Louise LESIÈGE
1795.06.08
Ste-Geneviève parish, Berthier, Berthier County, QC
I was born in early morn...
An American living in Canada since 1971, I have finally come to grips with my French-Canadian heritage, which isn't as easy as it may sound. Although many Quebecers immigrated to the U.S., wherever they went, they were the minority, despite filling the factories along the Merrimack River on the east coast. So, I'm not "an American in Paris," but an "AMERICAN in QUÉBEC"!
Fredo's latest book of Québec legends, SHÎMÛN L'ENFANT DE LA FORÊT ET LA SORCIÈRE DU LAC, is now available by getting in touch with him at the following EM address: fredodes@gmail.com
